Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate makes daring FIFA World Cup 2026 retirement promise—But only if one key condition is met
One of the players who famously stood alongside Lionel Messi during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup run has made a striking announcement ahead of the 2026 edition. With the tournament still more than a year away and anticipation already soaring in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the defending champions are already making headlines — not just for their qualification, but for what’s coming next.
Following Argentina‘s impressive qualification, which included back-to-back victories against Uruguay and Brazil without Messi on the pitch, the atmosphere in the Argentine camp is one of quiet confidence. Yet, what has stolen the headlines is the revelation that a key figure from the 2022 glory has hinted that his international career could end in 2026 — but only under one specific condition.
Argentina star sets stunning retirement condition
The player in question is none other than Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, La Albiceleste’s undisputed starting goalkeeper and one of the main architects of their 2022 World Cup triumph. Having built a reputation for decisive saves and an unbreakable mentality, Martinez has now pledged to step away from the international scene if Argentina pulls off the unthinkable — becoming back-to-back world champions.
“If we win two [World Cups] in a row, that’s it, I’m retiring from the national team,” the 32-year-old said during an interview with BPlay. “We have to make room for other young players.”
The promise sounds bold, but it is fitting for a player who has already etched his name into Argentine folklore. His exploits in Qatar, particularly the legendary last-minute save against Randal Kolo Muani in the final against France and his penalty heroics throughout the knockout stages, were essential to ending the nation’s 36-year wait for soccer’s greatest prize.
Career marked by glory and grit
Since lifting the trophy in Lusail Stadium, Aston Villa’s shot-stopper has not rested on his laurels. He recently celebrated his 50th international cap in a 1-0 win over Uruguay and followed it up with another commanding performance against Brazil, marking his 51st appearance for the national team. Even in the qualifiers, Martinez continued to impress, reaching 36 clean sheets in just 50 matches, inching closer to Sergio Romero’s record of 43 clean sheets.
Despite his legendary status, Martinez appears acutely aware of the fleeting nature of soccer. At 32 years old, the Aston Villa goalkeeper recognizes the need to pass the torch if the nation reaches the summit again in North America. “Until the World Cup in Qatar, I had not seen Argentina win a World Cup. If we win two World Cups in a row, that will be it. I will end my international career and leave room for the younger players,” he reaffirmed.
“Something like this is not going to happen again. We all saw Argentina winning the World Cup. I had not seen it since I was born. A seven-year-old kid already knows what he experienced. You are going to be happy and celebrate, but not like the previous one.”